The aims of this course are to introduce key terms and concepts pertaining to political participation, regimes, democracies and non-democracies, democratic transitions, political culture, political parties and political party-systems, social movements, interest group political communication, electoral systems and elections and voting, campaign strategies and tactics.

After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Discuss key terms and concepts about of political participation, democratic and non-democratic regimes.

Discuss social, economic and political conditions conducive to democracies.

Analyze various forms of political participation: political parties, social movements, interest groups.

Discuss basic concepts of electoral competition.

Explain key concepts of political communication.

Teaching Methods

This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods (lecturing, written assignments, presentations, peer presentation analyses, essays, group discussions, article, presentation/analysis). Students are also expected to realise two different projects (to be arranged with professor).

WEEK

TOPIC

REFERENCE

Week 1

Political participation and political culture - Introduction to the course, expectations and requirements